Jameson First Shot Returns with Dominic West

May 3, 2017

For the sixth year of Jameson First Shot, three undiscovered filmmakers will be provided
with the opportunity to direct award-winning actor and director Dominic West in a short
film that they will write and direct.

The Jameson First Shot film competition is all about giving talented filmmakers the
opportunity of a lifetime – a first step in an industry that can be notoriously difficult to
break into. It’s a platform that celebrates talented individuals that have incredible stories
to tell but who, as yet, haven’t had the opportunity to realise their ambition and potential.
At the heart of the Jameson brand is the motto Sine Metu and it’s a motto that exists to
encourage people to be open to new people and new experiences – to be themselves and
take the road less travelled. Jameson’s commitment to supporting aspiring filmmakers is
rooted in this philosophy, as it believes in giving a chance to those that fearlessly pursue a
dream, confront the unknown and share their personal stories with the world.

Dominic West is an actor who shares this belief, as it closely mirrors his own experiences.
At the age of 13 Dominic had to conquer social fears when he moved from Sheffield to
study at Eton. After Eton Dominic studied at Trinity College in Dublin and then the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama before moving into professional acting. Before
landing the role of Jimmy McNulty in HBO’s highly acclaimed series ‘The Wire’, Dominic
appeared in a number of US films and TV shows that failed to deliver the creative
satisfaction that he was looking for, as Dominic’s roles were frequently characterised by
stereotyped rom-com roles and scripts that he struggled to be emotionally and creatively
invested in.

Just when Dominic was about to turn his back on the US he heard about an audition for
the role of a tough Baltimore cop – he put himself forward and recorded an audition at
home despite never having practised the accent before. The rest is history, and Dominic is
now part of one of TVs most critically revered shows. Dominic’s role as McNulty allowed
him to push his boundaries and take a step into the unknown. Over time this role also
enabled Dominic to express his vision for the show’s characters, showing fearless selfbelief
when he directed an episode in the final season – this was the first time that
Dominic had sat is the director’s chair.

The Jameson First Shot film competition asks aspiring filmmakers to be equally brave,
forthright and committed; to write about what matters to them, tell the stories that they
want to tell and, ultimately, make the film they want to make.

In addition to directing a Hollywood great and having the support of a highly experienced
film crew, the Jameson First Shot winners will also have the help of a world-class
producer and access to the wider film community. Dana Brunetti, who has produced
multiple award-winning movies for film and television, will sit alongside each the
winners on set, providing them with support, guidance and input when needed to ensure
that they make the most of this incredible opportunity.

For its sixth year, Jameson is expanding its catchment area to give more undiscovered
talent the chance to enter their work. Entries are open to people living in Ireland, as well
as US, UK, Canada, South Africa, Bulgaria, Australia and Israel.